Now that the holiday season is here and the economy is less than stellar, you’re probably looking for ways to decorate your home that won’t break the bank. I’m a huge fan of using natural elements – greens, bark, berries, pine cones, etc. – because they’re unique and beautiful in their imperfect simplicity. Then, this past weekend, inspiration struck – cranberries. They’re unbelievably inexpensive, the color couldn’t be more festive, plus all of these projects are crazy-easy!

All photos courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens.

Personalize your mantel with a cranberry monogram. Make (or buy) the cardboard letter of your choice and glue cranberries to the surface. Dust with instant snow or glitter.

Place a wide candle inside a glass vase for an updated luminaria. Fill vase 1/4 full of instant snow and top with cranberries.

Make a simple garland with berries, a needle, and fishing wire. Intersperse wooden beads for variation in texture and weight. Loop into loose swags from small nails or hooks in the mantel.

For more ideas on how to incorporate cranberries into your holiday decor, come chat with us at the Blissfully Domestic forums.